Ferrari and Marchionne wrong to hold F1 to ransom - Horner

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Christian Horner is calling out Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne for holding Formula 1 to ransom amid talks over the sport's future regulations.

The Red Bull boss has expressed his disapproval in Ferrari's hard stance against Formula 1's management, but also against Marchionne's claim that Liberty Media knows nothing about F1 technology.

As a reminder, former Ferrari and Mercedes tech chief Ross Brawn, and man whose outstanding competence and expertise no one would have the gall to doubt, is leading the change on Formula 1's technical and sporting fronts.

"I think that's disrespectful to Ross Brawn, one of the most successful engineers in F1 history," Horner told Spain's El Confidencial.

"I think Liberty has a good understanding of the business and it's up to them to decide what's best."

Marchionne: 'We want a clear protection of F1's DNA'

Ferrari and Mercedes have expressed their doubts about the post-2020 engine and regulation framework tabled by Brawn and Liberty last November.

While Mercedes has adopted a conciliatory tone, Ferrari has threatened to pull out of Grand Prix racing altogether if Liberty forces through its current plans for the future.

"It might be bad for us or Ferrari or Mercedes, but it's Liberty who must decide what they want formula one to be," Horner said.

"It's inevitable that there are going to be two battlefields," he continued.

"FOM and the FIA are going to make the rules, and then it's up to the teams to decide if they want to be part of it or not."

And from that perspective, Horner said Red Bull will leave the regulation makers to it.

"We're not going to have any influence," he said. "This world championship is managed by the FIA and FOM and it's their job to know what they want.

"Of course everyone wants Ferrari to continue, and it's fantastic fighting against such an iconic team. But it's wrong to hold F1 to ransom in that way," Horner said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.